Bundled packaged goods having quality indicia window

ABSTRACT

The invention provides overwrapped packages of goods comprising one or more indicia disposed on the package overwrap where the indicia is generally indicative of one or more physical properties of the packaged good. In a particularly preferred embodiment the packaged goods are tissue products which have been packaged and multiple packages overwrapped with a wrapper having an indicia. In this manner the tissue products are provided as multi-packs, also referred to herein as bundles.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Consumer products are typically disposed in packaging and displayed on store shelves for viewing and selection by consumers. To facilitate viewing by the consumer and ultimately selection, manufacturers often provide packaging with a description of the packaged goods as well as one or more descriptions of a packaged goods benefits. Often the benefits are communicated in the form of indicia. Manufacturers of consumer goods however, often struggle to identify and select the most meaningful and communicative indicia. Manufacturers are also challenged with providing the indicia on the packaging in a way that does not detract from the product itself and balances all of the other graphics used on packaging to communicate with the consumer.

The problem of using indicia to communicate product benefits is particularly acute in the case of tissue products. Typically, tissue product properties such as strength, softness or absorbency are communicated by printing text on the product packaging because these properties are difficult to represent graphically. Moreover there may be multiple products on a shelf having some or all of the product properties and it may be difficult to select a graphic that clearly indicates to a consumer the most desirable or beneficial product property.

Thus, there remains a need in the art for product packaging that allows the manufacturer to communicate certain properties of the product to a consumer in a clear and effective manner.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly, the present invention provides packaging having an indicia that communicates to a consumer one or more physical properties of the packaged good. The indicia is provided in the overwrap disposed over one or more packages of goods and preferably is provided in the form of a window. In this manner the indicia allows a consumer to readily identify the physical properties of the packaged good while also allowing the consumer to view the packaged good.

In one embodiment the invention provides a bundle of packaged goods comprising: a first and a second package, each package comprising at least one consumer good having a first consumer good attribute, the first and the second packages at least partially overwrapped with a wrapper having a window disposed thereon, the window defining an indicia indicative of the first consumer good attribute.

In another embodiment the invention provides a bundle of packaged tissue products comprising: a first and a second package, each package comprising a plurality of tissue products having a first physical property, the first and the second packages at least partially overwrapped with a film, the film having a window disposed thereon, the window having a perimeter defining an indicia indicative of the first physical property.

In yet another embodiment the invention provides a method of communicating tissue product qualities to a consumer comprising the steps of providing a tissue product; identifying a first dominant physical property of the tissue product; selecting an indicia relating to the first dominant physical property; and packaging the tissue product in a package and overwrapping the package with an overwrap having a window, the window having a perimeter defining an indicia indicative of the first consumer good attribute.

In still another embodiment the present invention provides an array of tissue products, the array comprising a first tissue product having a first dominant physical property relative to the second tissue product, a second tissue product having a second dominant physical property relative to the first tissue product wherein the first tissue product is housed within a first package and the second tissue product is housed within a second package, the first and the second packages at least partially overwrapped with a film, the film having a window disposed thereon, the window having a perimeter defining an indicia indicative of the respective dominant physical property. The first and second packages may be arranged immediately adjacent each other on a shelf viewable by a consumer or may be spaced apart from one another some distance. The packages may further comprise a common identifier, such as a brand name or trademark.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a bundle of packaged tissue products according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a bundle of packaged tissue products according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an array of bundled packaged tissue products according to still another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an array of bundled packaged tissue products according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed view of a boarder graphic useful in the present invention.

DEFINITIONS

As used herein, the term “absorbency” generally refers to the amount of water absorbed by a tissue product, expressed as grams of water absorbed per gram of fiber (dry weight) in the product. Absorbency is measured as described in the Test Methods section and generally has units of grams per gram (g/g).

As used herein, the term “basis weight” generally refers to the bone dry weight per unit area of a tissue and is generally expressed as grams per square meter (gsm). Basis weight is measured using TAPPI test method T-220. While the basis weight of individual tissue plies may vary, tissue products useful in the present invention generally comprise one or more plies where each ply has a basis weight less than about 40 gsm, and more preferably less than about 30 gsm and still more preferably less than about 20 gsm, such as from about 10 to about 40 gsm.

As used herein, the term “caliper” is the representative thickness of a single sheet (caliper of tissue products comprising two or more plies is the thickness of a single sheet of tissue product comprising all plies) measured in accordance with TAPPI test method T402 using an EMVECO 200-A Microgage automated micrometer (EMVECO, Inc., Newberg, Oreg.). The micrometer has an anvil diameter of 2.22 inches (56.4 mm) and an anvil pressure of 132 grams per square inch (per 6.45 square centimeters) (2.0 kPa). While the caliper of tissue products useful in the invention may vary, in certain embodiments the tissue products have a caliper of a least about 100 μm, more preferably at least about 200 μm and still more preferably at least about 250 μm.

As used herein, the term “indicia” generally refers to an identifying mark useful in representing, identifying, or relating to, an attribute, such as physical property, of a packaged product.

As used herein, the term “geometric mean slope” (GM Slope) generally refers to the square root of the product of machine direction slope and cross-machine direction slope. GM Slope generally is expressed in units of kilograms (kg). While GM Slope may vary, tissue products prepared according to the present disclosure generally have a GM Slope less than about 15.0 kg such as from about 8.0 to about 15.0 kg.

As used herein, the terms “geometric mean tensile” and “GMT” refer to the square root of the product of the machine direction tensile strength and the cross-machine direction tensile strength of the web. While the GMT may vary, tissue products prepared according to the present disclosure generally have a GMT greater than about 500 g/3″, more preferably greater than about 600 g/3″ and still more preferably greater than about 700 g/3″ such as from about 600 to about 1,500 g/3″.

As used herein the term “graphical indicia” generally refers to any type or form of graphic used to visually represent, identify, or relate to an attribute, such as a physical property, of the packaged product.

As used herein the term “lotion” generally refers to a composition comprising oils and/or emollients and/or waxes and/or immobilizing agents. In particularly preferred embodiments a lotion may comprise oils, alcohol ethoxylates, fatty acid esters, hydrocarbons and mixtures thereof.

As used herein, the term “ply” refers to a discrete product element. Individual plies may be arranged in juxtaposition to each other. The term may refer to a plurality of web-like components such as in a multi-ply facial tissue, bath tissue, paper towel, wipe, or napkin. Tissue products useful in the present invention may comprise one ply or multiple plies, such as two, three or four plies.

As used herein, the term “physical property” generally refers to a property of a tissue product that is measurable. Physical properties may include, for example, surface topography, the number of plies, absorbency, caliper, basis weight, bulk, softness, slough and tensile properties such as strength, modulus and energy absorption. Physical properties may also include any lotions or therapeutic agents added to a tissue product during manufacture.

As used herein, the term “common physical property” means a physical property that is present in two or more tissue products wherein the value of the first tissue product property is not more or less than ten percent of the same property in the second tissue product. For example, where a first tissue product has a GMT of about 600 g/3″ and a second tissue product has a GMT of about 650 g/3″, the first and second tissue products share a common physical property, where the property is GMT.

As used herein, the term “dominant physical property” means a distinctive or prominent physical property of a tissue product. Alternatively, dominant physical property may refer to a relative comparison of a physical property between two or more tissue products. For example, if a first tissue product has a GMT of about 600 g/3″ and a second tissue product has a GMT of about 700 g/3″, then the second tissue product is said to have a dominant GMT. In other words, the tissue products do not share a common GMT. In another example, if a first tissue product has a TS7 of about 8.0 and a second tissue product has TS7 of about 10.0, the first is said to have dominant softness relative to the second product. In other words, one of the sanitary tissue products is softer than the other sanitary tissue product.

As used herein, the term “slough” refers to the undesirable sloughing off of bits of the tissue web when rubbed and is generally measured as described in the Test Methods section below. Slough is generally reported in terms of mass, such as milligrams. While slough may vary amongst the tissue products useful in the present invention, in certain embodiments the tissue products have slough less than about 10 mg, more preferably less than about 8 mg and still more preferably less than about 5 mg.

As used herein, the term “therapeutic agent” generally refers to a medicinal component that provides efficacious results such as medicinal components that provide medicinal scents including, for example, natural menthol, synthetic menthol, and as well as medicines like viricides, disinfectants, analgesics, and other types of medicine having suitable medicinal properties.

As used herein the term “Tissue Softness” refers to the output of the EMTEC Tissue Softness Analyzer (commercially available from Emtec Electronic GmbH, Leipzig, Germany) as described in the Test Methods section and TS7 has units of dB V2 rms, however, TS7 may be referred to herein without reference to units.

As used herein, a “tissue product” generally refers to various paper products, such as facial tissue, bath tissue, paper towels, napkins, and the like. Normally, the basis weight of a tissue product useful in the present invention is greater than about 20 grams per square meter (gsm), such as from about 20 to about 60 gsm and more preferably from about 30 to about 50 gsm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The invention provides overwrapped packages of goods comprising one or more indicia disposed on the package overwrap where the indicia is generally indicative of one or more physical properties of the packaged good. In a particularly preferred embodiment the packaged goods are tissue products which have been packaged and multiple packages overwrapped with a wrapper having an indicia. In this manner the tissue products are provided as multi-packs, also referred to herein as bundles.

The multi-pack is a plurality of individually packaged products that are over-wrapped together by a wrapper, such as a plastic film. In certain embodiments the packaged products comprise a package and a consumer good, such as facial tissue. The cartons are formed from a carton blank. Generally the blank has a top surface with depending side flaps, first side surface with depending side flaps, bottom surface with side flaps, second side surface with depending side flaps. The carton blank may be formed from a sheet of paperboard material.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the packaged products comprise packaged tissue products and more preferably a substantially cubic paperboard tissue carton having a plurality of folded tissue sheets disposed therein. In other embodiments the packaged products comprise a plurality of rolled tissue products. In yet other embodiments the packaged products comprise a disposable absorbent article, such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence pads and pants, sanitary napkins, tampons, pantiliners, wipes, wet wipes, bandages and pessaries disposed in carton, container, bag or overwrap. In certain embodiments the disposable articles are packaged in substantially cubic paperboard cartons, which are bundled together and wrapped as described herein. In other embodiments the absorbent articles are first overwrapped with a film to form a package and several packages then bundled and overwrapped as described herein.

Referring to FIG. 1 there is illustrated a product bundle 100. The product bundle generally comprises a collection of packaged products, such as those disclosed above. The product bundle 100 is illustrated as a single outline having a cube shape having a front 135, top 136, opposing sides 137, 138 and bottom 139 and back (not illustrated). Although the illustrated bundle 100 is cubic, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other shapes are contemplated. Generally, the shape of the bundle is dictated by the shape of the product items being bundled.

The illustrated bundle 100 comprises four packages 200, 202, 204, 206 of individually packaged products that are stacked on top of each other to form two columns/stacks. The packages 200, 202, 204, 206 are partially surrounded by a packaging film 132 (also referred to herein simply as an overwrap or a wrapper). The packaging film 132 extends around the bundle 100 contacting the top 136 and bottom 139 surfaces and covering a portion of the front surface 135. The packaging film 132 is bounded by a pair of side edges 140, 142.

Although the packaging film is illustrated as a band which only covers the front and back of the bundle, the invention is not so limited. In other embodiments the film may substantially enclose the packages. In other embodiments the film may only cover the sides, top and bottom. In such an embodiment, the packaging film encloses the lateral sides of the stacked packages but the front and rear of the bundle are substantially free of packaging film or could be partially covered by the packaging film. Preferably the film covers at least two surfaces of the packaged goods such that the goods are retained in the bundle in a stable manner.

In certain embodiments the packaging film is preferably a plastic film, and more preferably a thermoplastic film with the thermoplastic being either a monolayer or a laminate. Useful monolayer or laminate thermoplastic materials include polyethylenes and ethylene copolymers, polypropylenes and propylene copolymers, polyethylene terephthalates, vinyl polymers and copolymers, and acrylic polymers and copolymers. The laminates include thermoplastic/paper laminates. A useful thermoplastic is biaxially oriented polypropylene. The invention is not limited to a plastic as the packaging film. In other embodiments the packaging film may be a paper over-wrap or other material.

In embodiments where the packaging film 132 material is a plastic film, it will preferably have a gram weight/square meter (gsm) of about 15 gsm to about 75 gsm. The film material 132 will generally have a thickness of about 300 microns to about 600 microns. The film wrapper 132 material preferably will be a shrink wrap material.

In one preferred embodiment individual packages of goods are bundled together using an externally-applied packaging film, such as a clear or substantially transparent single or coextruded ply film made of a polymeric material, including polyethylene, polypropylene polyolefin, cellophane, or polyvinyl chloride or netting material. The film may be provided in the form of an open-ended sleeve or band, but may also be provided on one or more continuous rolls. A variety of techniques and machines for applying such a sleeve, band, or film over the product items and shrinking it to form a packaged product bundle is known in the art. Generally the packaging film is such that when it is heated and comes into contact with a semi-rigid structure, the film does not shrink and distort significantly.

As mentioned above, the bundle 100 can be used for many different products. However, it is useful in the marketing of consumer products and more particularly tissue products. Although four packages 200, 202, 204, 206 of individually packaged products are illustrated the invention is not so limited. For example, where tissue cartons are the product, the bundle may have between 2 and 8 individually packaged products and more preferably between 2 and 4. Additionally, although two columns are illustrated in FIG. 1, in other embodiments the bundle may comprise only one column of packages or it may comprise three or more columns of goods.

The overwrap 132 is provided with at least one window 300 through which one or more packages 200, 202, 204, 206 are visible to a consumer. Thus, as used herein, the term “window” generally refers to a portion of the overwrap wherein the contents of the package, located in the internal space, are viewable through said portion from the external space. The term “window” includes physical openings wherein one or more packages may be touched by a consumer. The term “window” also includes physical openings that are partially or completely covered by one or more transparent materials such that one or more packages, located in the internal space, are viewable through the transparent materials from the external space. Thus, as used herein, the term “transparent” refers to the ability of a material or combination of materials to transmit visible light through the body of the material. It is recognized that any material will remove a certain fraction of light and therefore complete transparency cannot exist. Therefore the requirement for transparency according to the present invention is that a package be visually recognizable when viewed by a consumer through the transparent region of the overwrap.

In other embodiments the window may comprise a portion of a transparent printed overwrap that is unobscured by the printing and thus remains transparent such that one or more of the packages, located in the internal space, are viewable through said unobscured and transparent portion from the external space. In certain embodiments the overwrap may be printed and the window may be substantially free from printing, while in other embodiments both the overwrap and the window may be printed, but the printing in the window portion is such that the window remains transparent allowing a consumer to view one or more of the packages from the external space.

With further reference to FIG. 1, the window 300 is illustrated as being located completely on the front 135 of the bundle 100. However, it will be readily appreciated that in various embodiments, the windows may span across more than one side of the package. In some embodiments, a portion of a window may be located on a front face of the package and a portion of the window may extend around an edge of the package to one or more adjacent sides.

As noted above, the overwrap may be formed from a broad range of suitable materials including plastic films, polymer films and paperboard and the means by which the window is formed may vary depending on the overwrap material. For example, the windows may be die cut, laser cut, stamp cut, water cut, or the like, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the outer structures may be made of paper board and the windows may be formed in the outer structure by die cutting. In still other embodiments the overwrap may be printed with the exception of the window, which is unprinted and transparent. In other embodiments the window may be printed, however the printing is selected to permit the transmission of light and allow at least one package to be visible to a consumer from the external space.

One alternate embodiment of a die cut window is illustrated in FIG. 2. In the illustrated embodiment the overwrap 132 comprises paperboard and covers a portion of the front and opposing sides 137, 138 of the bundle 100, which comprises three packages 202, 204 and 206. The window 300 is die cut from the paperboard overwrap 132 such that two of the packages 204 and 206 are visible to a consumer through the window 300. The window 300 has a window perimeter 310 that defines a graphical indicia 315 corresponding to a physical property of the tissue products housed within the packages 202, 204, 206. The overwrap 132 may further comprise a source identifier 400, such as a trademark or brand name.

In other embodiments, the window may be created from essentially transparent material used as the overwrap material. In these embodiments, a first portion of the transparent material may be made non-transparent by printing, painting, dying, or other suitable means and a second portion of the transparent material may be left un-altered (i.e., essentially transparent). The un-altered portion may be sufficiently surrounded by the non-transparent portion to define a window in the overwrap. For example, the overwrap may be made of an essentially transparent polyethylene or polypropylene film and the overwrap may be printed with any suitable ink via flexographic, gravure, inkjet, or other suitable means, or combinations thereof to define windows that remain transparent.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the window 300 has a shape that is defined by a window perimeter 310. Thus, as used herein, the term “window perimeter” refers to the outer boundary of the total area defined by the window. The window perimeter generally forms a window which acts as an indicia. Preferably the indicia communicates to a consumer one or more attributes of the packaged goods. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in one example, the overwrap 132 includes a window 300 having a window perimeter 310 that defines a graphical indicia 315 corresponding to a physical property of the tissue products housed within the packages 200, 202, 204, 206.

For example, the bundle may comprise a plurality of packages containing a tissue product that is soft (low TS7 value, such as from about 8.0 to about 12.0 and more preferably from about 8.0 to about 10.0), strong (relatively high GMT, such as from about 700 to about 1,200 g/3″) and thick (having a caliper greater than about 200 μm). In combination these physical properties are generally perceived by a consumer to be comforting. A graphical indicia that will illustrate the foregoing physical properties and be perceived by a consumer as being comforting is then selected. For example, without being limited by any particular theory, it is believed by the instant inventors that a heart is considered by consumers as possessing qualities of comfort. Therefore, because the selected indicia, a heart, conveys to a consumer some of the same qualities as the packaged good, the overwrap window may be formed in the shape of a heart to communicate to a consumer one or more attributes of the packaged tissue products, such as softness, strength and sheet caliper.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a graphical window indicia 315 of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment the packaged product is a facial tissue having superior softness, good strength and high caliper. A window 300 is provided in the overwrap 132. The window perimeter 310 forms the graphic indicia 315, which is in the shape of a heart. In this manner the graphical indicia 315, a heart, conveys to the consumer a sentiment of comfort, which is consistent with the physical properties of the packaged goods. Thus, the present invention may be used as a means of graphical representing one or more physical properties of the packaged goods and visually communicating those properties to a consumer.

In other embodiments where the packaged good is a tissue product comprising an additive, such as a therapeutic agent, the indicia may be selected to convey to a consumer a therapeutic benefit. For example, the tissue product may comprise an anti-viral agent which conveys to the consumer a sense of therapeutic care. A graphical indicia may then be chosen that will illustrate therapeutic care. For example, without being limited by any particular theory, it is thought that a cross is thought of by consumers as possessing qualities of therapeutic care. Further, tissue physical properties such as possessing an anti-viral agent are generally considered by consumers to also be indicative of therapeutic care. Therefore, because the selected indicia, a cross, possesses some of the same qualities as the packaged good, the overwrap window may be formed in the shape of a cross to communicate to a consumer one or more attributes of the packaged tissue products, such as possessing an anti-viral agent.

Other exemplary indicia are illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, tissue products are disposed in each of packages 110, 112, 114. The tissue products physical properties differ between the packages. The first package 110 contains a tissue product having superior balance of softness and tensile strength, the second package 112 contains a tissue product comprising a lotion additive, and the third package 114 contains a tissue product having superior softness. Because the physical properties of the packaged goods differ, three different indicia 360, 361, 362 are selected with each indicia corresponding to the physical properties of the packaged good—a heart 360 to convey comfort of balancing strength and softness, a drop 361 to convey the presence of a lotion and a feather 362 to convey superior softness.

In addition to communicating to a consumer one or more attributes of the packaged goods the window also allows the consumer to view the packaging containing the goods. While the window may generally be disposed anywhere on the bundle 100, in one embodiment it is disposed on the front 135 and permits the consumer to view at least two of the packages and more preferably all of the bundled packages 200, 202, 204 and 206 (see FIG. 1). In this manner, in a preferred embodiment, it may be desirable to size the window such that multiple packages are visible to the consumer and more preferably to size it such that all of the packages are visible.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in addition to a window 300 forming a graphical indicia 315 the overwrap 132 may further comprise a source identifier 400, such as a trademark or brand name. Preferably the source identifier 400 is positioned away from the window 300 and in a particularly preferred embodiment the identifier 400 is printed on the overwrap 132 and is not transparent. Further, it is generally preferred that the source identifier 400 and the indicia 315 are distinct, such as the source identifier 400 being text and the indicia 315 being a non-textural graphic.

In certain embodiments the overwrapped bundle of goods may be provided with more than one indicia to communicate certain properties of the goods to a consumer. For example, with reference again to FIG. 1, the bundle 100 may include an overwrap 132 comprising a primary graphical indicia 315 defined by a window perimeter 310 and a secondary indicia 320, which may be a window or may not be a window and may be the same as the primary graphical indicia 315 or may be different. Where the overwrapped bundle includes more than one graphical indicia, it is generally preferred that the primary graphic indicia is defined by the perimeter of the window and the relative size of the primary graphic indicia is greater than other graphical indicia. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, both the primary graphical indicia 315 and the secondary indicia 320 are hearts, however, the hearts are illustrated differently and the secondary indicia 320 is printed on the overwrap 132 rather than formed by a window 300. Further, the primary indicia 315 is larger in size compared to the secondary indicia 320.

In certain embodiments, in addition to primary 315 and secondary 320 indicia, the overwrap 132 may comprise a tertiary indicia 326. The tertiary indicia may be the same or different than other indicia and may be a window or may be formed by alternate means. In a particularly preferred embodiment the primary graphical indicia is formed by a window, while all other indicia are printed on the overwrap such that they are not transparent and do not form windows. In this manner, the indicia formed by the window is the primary indicia and is generally the only indicia disposed on the overwrap that functions as a window.

In particular embodiments it may be preferable to vary the relative size and prominence of the various indicia relative to one another as well as to any source identifier, if present on the package. For example, of the indicia and source identifiers disposed on the front panel of the overwrap, the primary indicia may be the most prominent. In terms of prominence, there are a number of factors that can be involved with elevating or diminishing the prominence of a feature on a package, including, but not limited to the size of the indicia, the colors used, the area of coverage dedicated to the particular indicia versus other indicia, or the location of the indicia on the panel.

The bundles of packaged goods described above may be arranged in an array. The array of bundled packaged goods may displayed on a shelf at a point of sale, such as within a retail store, in such a way that the different products within the array are visible to a consumer and facilitate the consumer's decision making process. In a particularly preferred embodiment bundles comprising different packaged goods, such as packages of tissue products having different physical properties may be arranged in an array. In one embodiment the array may comprise bundles of packaged tissue products where each bundle comprises tissue products having at least one physical property that is different than the other bundled tissue products. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, an array of three bundles 110, 112 and 114 is provided. The first bundle 110 comprises tissue products housed within a plurality of packages 210, 212, 214 and 216, the product having at least one physical property that is different from the second tissue product housed within the second bundle 112 and the third tissue product housed in the third bundle 114. The dominant physical property of the first tissue product compared to the second and third tissue products is communicated to a consumer by a window 300 having a perimeter 310 forming a graphical indicia 360. The graphical indicia 360 is preferably matched to the sentiment of a consumer that is evoked by the dominant physical property of the packaged good.

With continued reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, second and third tissue products housed in the second 112 and third 114 bundles may possess a dominant physical property, both in respect to the first tissue product as well as to one another. In such embodiments, the overwrap 132 of the second 112 and third 114 bundles may be provided with windows 300 having perimeters 310 that form second 361 and third 362 graphical indicia. Preferably the graphical indicia 360, 361, 362 differ between the bundles 110, 112, 114 and are indicative of the tissue products contained therein. For example, the second bundle 112 comprises tissue products treated with a lotion and the window 300 is in the shape of a drop and the third bundle 114 comprises tissue products having superior softness, compared to the tissue products of the first 110 and second 112 bundles, and the window 300 is in the shape of a feather.

In this manner, different indicia may be applied to an array of packaged goods to communicate to a consumer the differences in the goods. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first bundle 110 comprises packages 210, 212, 214, 216 containing tissue product having a superior balance of softness and tensile strength, the second bundle 112 comprises packages containing a tissue product comprising a lotion additive, and the third bundle 114 comprises packages containing a tissue product having superior softness. Because the physical properties of the bundled packaged goods differ, three different indicia 360, 361, 362 are selected with each indicia corresponding to the physical properties of the packaged good—a heart to convey comfort of balancing strength and softness, a drop to convey the presence of a lotion and a feather to convey superior softness.

In other embodiments an array may comprise bundles of similar goods disposed in different package sizes. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, an array may comprise a plurality of bundles 115, 116 and 117 of different numbers of packages comprising tissue products. The tissue products may be contained within each bundle 115, 116 and 117 have the similar physical properties and at least one common physical property. The common physical property is preferably a dominant physical property and is communicated to a consumer via the primary indicia 315 formed by a window 300. The primary indicia 315 is shared by each bundle 115, 116 and 117. In the illustrated embodiment the bundles 115, 116 and 117 also have a common secondary indicia 320. The difference between the illustrated bundles 115, 116 and 117 is the number and/or relative size of the packages, which may be communicated via a tertiary indicia 326, printed on the overwrap 132 and displayed on the front 135 of the bundles 116, 117. The relative size of the indicia may varying, with the primary indicia preferably more prominent than the secondary and tertiary indicia. In addition to a common primary indicia 315, the bundles 115, 116 and 117 may include a common source identifier 400.

Generally a dominant physical property refers to a physical property of a given tissue product that is greater or more preferred than the same physical property of another tissue product. For example, in one embodiment a first tissue product packaged in a first product package may have a tensile strength (measured as GMT) of about 1,000 g/3″ and a second tissue product packaged in a second product package may have a tensile strength of about 800 g/3″. In this embodiment the first tissue product has a dominant tensile strength compared to the second tissue product. In another embodiment a first tissue product packaged in a first product package may be treated with a lotion and a second tissue product packaged in a second product package may be untreated. In this embodiment the first tissue product is dominant in respect to lotion treatment compared to the second tissue product.

Further, a physical property will generally be considered dominant if there is at least some difference between the two given products in respect to the property. In particularly preferred embodiments the dominant property is at least about 10 percent greater than the same property in another tissue product and more preferably at least about 15 percent greater, such as from about 10 to about 50 percent greater. In other embodiments the difference between properties may not be a matter of degrees, but rather whether a product possesses a certain property. For example, in one embodiment a first product may be dominant to a second product merely because the first comprises a lotion and the second does not. In other embodiments a first tissue product may be embossed and provide the product surface with topography and the second tissue product may be unembossed and have a substantially flat product surface, thus the first product having a dominant surface topography relative to the second product.

In addition to the foregoing examples, the array may comprise bundles comprising tissue products having different numbers of plies, such as a first bundle comprising single ply products, a second bundle comprising two ply products and a third bundle comprising three ply products. The bundles are provided with an overwrap having a window where the window forms a graphical indicia indicative of the number of plies. For example, the first bundle may be provided with a graphical representation of the number one, the second bundle may be provided with a graphical representation of the number two and the third bundle may be provided with a graphical representation of the number three.

Turning now to FIG. 5, an additional embodiment of an overwrapped package is illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the overwrap 132 comprises a window 300 having a perimeter 310 defining a primary indicia 315. In a particularly preferred embodiment the window 300 is disposed within the central portion 148 and between the side edges 140 and 142. The overwrap 132 further comprises a printed central portion 148 bounded by side edges 140 and 142 and the side edges 140 and 142 are printed with a pattern different than the pattern printed on the central portion 148. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the side edges 140, 142 may be printed with a background pattern 500, more preferably a solid background pattern that differs from the pattern printed on the central portion 148, and spaced apart substantially horizontal elements 505. In this manner the side edges are provided with a pattern that is visually distinct from the central portion and further comprise a pattern having distinct horizontal elements. One benefit of the foregoing print pattern is that the printed side edges create the illusion of the central portion being defined by relatively sharp and substantially vertical boundary lines.

Test Methods Absorbency

Absorbency is determined by cutting a sheet of the product to be tested (which may contain one or more plies) into a square measuring 100 millimeters by 100 millimeters (±1 mm.) The resulting test specimen is weighed to the nearest 0.01 gram and the value is recorded as the “dry weight.” The specimen is attached to a 3-point clamping device and hung from one corner in a 3-point clamping device such that the opposite corner is lower than the rest of the specimen, then the sample and the clamp are placed into a dish of water and soaked in the water for 3 minutes (±5 seconds). The water should be distilled or de-ionized water at a temperature of 23±3° C. At the end of the soaking time, the specimen and the clamp are removed from the water. The clamping device should be such that the clamp area and pressure have minimal effect on the test result. Specifically, the clamp area should be only large enough to hold the sample and the pressure should also just be sufficient for holding the sample, while minimizing the amount of water removed from the sample during clamping. The sample specimen is allowed to drain for 3 minutes (±5 seconds). At the end of the draining time, the specimen is removed by holding a weighing dish under the specimen and releasing it from the clamping device. The wet specimen is then weighed to the nearest 0.01 gram and the value recorded as the “wet weight”. The vertical absorbent capacity in grams per gram=[(wet weight−dry weight)/dry weight]. At least five (5) replicate measurements are made on representative samples from the same roll or box of product to yield an average vertical absorbent capacity value.

Tissue Softness Analysis

Tissue softness was measured using an EMTEC Tissue Softness Analyzer (“TSA”) (Emtec Electronic GmbH, Leipzig, Germany). The TSA comprises a rotor with vertical blades which rotate on the test piece applying a defined contact pressure. Contact between the vertical blades and the test piece creates vibrations, which are sensed by a vibration sensor. The sensor then transmits a signal to a PC for processing and display. The signal is displayed as a frequency spectrum. For measurement of TS7 and TS750 values the blades are pressed against the sample with a load of 100 mN and the rotational speed of the blades is 2 revolutions per second.

To measure TS7 and TS750 values two different frequency analyses are performed. The first frequency analysis is performed in the range of approximately 200 Hz to 1000 Hz, with the amplitude of the peak occurring at 750 Hz being recorded as the TS750 value. The TS750 value represents the surface smoothness of the sample. A high amplitude peak correlates to a rougher surface. A second frequency analysis is performed in the range from 1 to 10 kHz, with the amplitude of the peak occurring at 7 kHz being recorded as the TS7 value. The TS7 value represents the softness of sample. A lower amplitude correlates to a softer sample. Both TS750 and TS7 values have the units dB V2 rms.

To measure the stiffness properties of the test sample, the rotor is initially loaded against the sample to a load of 100 mN. Then, the rotor is gradually loaded further until the load reaches 600 mN. As the sample is loaded the instrument records sample displacement (μm) versus load (mN) and outputs a curve over the range of 100 to 600 mN. The modulus value “E” is reported as the slope of the displacement versus loading curve for this first loading cycle, with units of mm displacement/N of loading force. After the first loading cycle from 100 to 600 mN is completed, the instrument reduces the load back to 100 mN and then increases the load again to 600 mN for a second loading cycle. The slope of the displacement versus loading curve from the second loading cycle is called the “D” modulus value.

Test samples were prepared by cutting a circular sample having a diameter of 112.8 mm. All samples were allowed to equilibrate at TAPPI standard temperature and humidity conditions for at least 24 hours prior to completing the TSA testing. Only one ply of tissue is tested. Multi-ply samples are separated into individual plies for testing. The sample is placed in the TSA with the softer (dryer or Yankee) side of the sample facing upward. The sample is secured and the measurements are started via the PC. The PC records, processes and stores all of the data according to standard TSA protocol. The reported values are the average of five replicates, each one with a new sample.

Tensile

Samples for tensile strength testing are prepared by cutting a 3 inches (76.2 mm)×5 inches (127 mm) long strip in either the machine direction (MD) or cross-machine direction (CD) orientation using a JDC Precision Sample Cutter (Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, Philadelphia, Pa., Model No. JDC 3-10, Ser. No. 37333). The instrument used for measuring tensile strengths is an MTS Systems Sintech 11S, Serial No. 6233. The data acquisition software is MTS TestWorks™ for Windows Ver. 4 (MTS Systems Corp., Research Triangle Park, N.C.). The load cell is selected from either a 50 Newton or 100 Newton maximum, depending on the strength of the sample being tested, such that the majority of peak load values fall between 10 and 90 percent of the load cell's full scale value. The gauge length between jaws is 4±0.04 inches (50.8±1 mm). The jaws are operated using pneumatic-action and are rubber coated. The minimum grip face width is 3 inches (76.2 mm), and the approximate height of a jaw is 0.5 inches (12.7 mm). The crosshead speed is 10±0.04 inches/min (254±1 mm/min), and the break sensitivity is set at 65 percent. The sample is placed in the jaws of the instrument, centered both vertically and horizontally. The test is then started and ends when the specimen breaks. The peak load is recorded as either the “MD tensile strength” or the “CD tensile strength” of the specimen depending on the sample being tested. At least six (6) representative specimens are tested for each product, taken “as is,” and the arithmetic average of all individual specimen tests is either the MD or CD tensile strength for the product.

For multiple-ply products tensile testing is done on the number of plies expected in the finished product. For example, 2-ply products are tested two plies at one time and the recorded MD and CD tensile strengths are the strengths of both plies.

Slough

The slough test provides a quantitative measure of the abrasion resistance of a tissue sample. More specifically, the test measures the resistance of a material to an abrasive action when the material is subjected to a horizontally reciprocating surface abrader. The equipment and method used is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,595, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner consistent with the present application.

Bulk

Bulk is calculated as the quotient of the dry sheet caliper (μm) divided by the basis weight (gsm). Dry sheet caliper is the measurement of the thickness of a single tissue sheet measured in accordance with TAPPI test methods T402 and T411 om-89. The micrometer used for carrying out T411 om-89 is an Emveco 200-A Tissue Caliper Tester (Emveco, Inc., Newberg, Oreg.). The micrometer has a load of 2 kilo-Pascals, a pressure foot area of 2500 square millimeters, a pressure foot diameter of 56.42 millimeters, a dwell time of 3 seconds and a lowering rate of 0.8 millimeters per second.

While tissue webs, and tissue products comprising the same, have been described in detail with respect to the specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments.

Accordingly, in a first embodiment the present invention provides a bundle of packaged goods comprising a first and a second package, each package comprising a least one consumer good having a first consumer good attribute, the first and the second packages at least partially overwrapped with a film, the film having a window disposed thereon, the window having a perimeter defining an indicia indicative of the first consumer good attribute.

In a second embodiment the invention provides the bundle of the first embodiment wherein the consumer good is a tissue product and the first consumer good attribute is selected from the group consisting of surface topography, the number of plies, absorbency, caliper, basis weight, bulk, softness, slough, tensile strength, stiffness index, slope and tensile energy absorption.

In a third embodiment the invention provides the bundle of the first or the second embodiments wherein the overwrap comprises a band.

In a fourth embodiment the invention provides the bundle any one of the first through third embodiments wherein the overwrap entirely overwraps the first and the second packages.

In a fifth embodiment the invention provides the bundle any one of the first through fourth embodiments wherein the first and the second packages have a front face and the overwrap at least partially covers the front face, the overwrap having a printed and unprinted central area, wherein at least a portion of the unprinted central area defines the window.

In a sixth embodiment the invention provides the bundle any one of the first through fifth embodiments wherein the window is either transparent or cut out.

In a seventh embodiment the present invention provides an array of tissue products comprising a first tissue product having a first dominant physical property, a second tissue product having a second dominant physical property wherein the first tissue product is housed within a first package and the second tissue product is housed within a second package, the first and the second packages at least partially overwrapped with a film, the film having a window disposed thereon, the window having a perimeter defining an indicia indicative of the respective dominant physical property.

In an eighth embodiment the present invention provides the array of the seventh embodiment wherein the dominant physical property of first tissue product is selected from the group consisting of the number of plies, absorbency, caliper, basis weight, bulk, softness, slough, tensile strength, stiffness index, slope and tensile energy absorption that is different from the second tissue product.

In a ninth embodiment the present invention provides the array of the seventh or eighth embodiment wherein the first tissue product has a geometric mean tensile (GMT) from about 700 to about 1,200 and the second tissue product has a GMT that is from about 5 to about 20 percent less than the GMT of the first tissue product.

In a tenth embodiment the present invention provides the array of any one of the seventh through ninth embodiments wherein the first tissue product has a surface topography that is different than the surface topography of the second tissue product.

In an eleventh embodiment the present invention provides a method of communicating tissue product qualities to a consumer comprising the steps of providing a tissue product; identifying a first dominant physical property of the tissue product; selecting an indicia relating to the first dominant physical property; and packaging the tissue product in a package and overwrapping the package with an overwrap having a window, the window having a perimeter defining an indicia indicative of the first consumer good attribute.

In a twelfth embodiment the present invention provides the method of the eleventh embodiment wherein the dominant physical property is selected from the group consisting of surface topography, the number of plies, absorbency, caliper, basis weight, bulk, softness, slough, tensile strength, stiffness index, slope and tensile energy absorption.

In a thirteenth embodiment the present invention provides the method of the eleventh or the twelfth embodiments wherein the overwrap comprises a band.

In a fourteenth embodiment the present invention provides the method of any one of the eleventh through the thirteenth embodiments wherein the overwrap entirely overwraps the package.

In a fifteenth embodiment the present invention provides the method of any one of the eleventh through the fourteenth embodiments wherein the overwrap comprises a film and the window is transparent.

In a sixteenth embodiment the present invention provides the method of any one of the eleventh through the fifteenth embodiments wherein the package has a front face and the overwrap at least partially covers the front face, the overwrap having a printed and unprinted central area, wherein at least a portion of the unprinted central area defines the window. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bundle of packaged goods comprising: a first and a second package, each package comprising a least one consumer good having a first consumer good attribute, the first and the second packages at least partially overwrapped with a film, the film having a window disposed thereon, the window having a perimeter defining an indicia indicative of the first consumer good attribute.
 2. The bundle of packaged goods of claim 1 wherein the consumer good is a tissue product and the first consumer good attribute is selected from the group consisting of surface topography, the number of plies, absorbency, caliper, basis weight, bulk, softness, slough, tensile strength, stiffness index, slope and tensile energy absorption.
 3. The bundle of packaged goods of claim 1 wherein the overwrap comprises a band.
 4. The bundle of packaged goods of claim 1 wherein the overwrap entirely overwraps the first and the second packages.
 5. The bundle of packaged goods of claim 1 wherein the first and the second packages have a front face and the overwrap at least partially covers the front face, the overwrap having a printed and unprinted central area, wherein at least a portion of the unprinted central area defines the window.
 6. The bundle of packaged goods of claim 5 wherein the printed central area is bounded by a pair of printed side edges and wherein the printed side edges comprise a printed pattern that is different than the central area printed pattern.
 7. The bundle of packaged goods of claim 6 wherein the printed side edge pattern comprises a background pattern and a plurality of spaced apart substantially horizontal elements disposed thereon.
 8. The bundle of packaged goods of claim 1 wherein the window is either transparent or cut out.
 9. The bundle of packaged goods of claim 1 further comprising a second indicia and source identifier.
 10. The bundle of packaged goods of claim 9 wherein the second indicia is printed on the overwrap and is the same shape as the first indicia.
 11. An array of tissue products comprising a first tissue product having a first dominant physical property, a second tissue product having a second dominant physical property wherein the first tissue product is housed within a first package and the second tissue product is housed within a second package, the first and the second packages at least partially overwrapped with a film, the film having a window disposed thereon, the window having a perimeter defining an indicia indicative of the respective dominant physical property.
 12. The array of claim 11 wherein the dominant physical property of first tissue product is selected from the group consisting of the number of plies, absorbency, caliper, basis weight, bulk, softness, slough, tensile strength, stiffness index, slope and tensile energy absorption that is different from the second tissue product.
 13. The array of claim 11 wherein the first tissue product has a geometric mean tensile (GMT) from about 700 to about 1,200 and the second tissue product has a GMT that is from about 5 to about 20 percent less than the GMT of the first tissue product.
 14. The array of claim 11 wherein the first tissue product has a surface topography that is different than the surface topography of the second tissue product.
 15. A method of communicating tissue product qualities to a consumer comprising the steps of: a. providing a tissue product; b. identifying a first dominant physical property of the tissue product; c. selecting an indicia relating to the first dominant physical property; and d. packaging the tissue product in a package and overwrapping the package with an overwrap having a window, the window having a perimeter defining an indicia indicative of the first consumer good attribute.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the dominant physical property is selected from the group consisting of surface topography, the number of plies, absorbency, caliper, basis weight, bulk, softness, slough, tensile strength, stiffness index, slope and tensile energy absorption.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein the overwrap comprises a band.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein the overwrap entirely overwraps the package.
 19. The method of claim 15 wherein the overwrap comprises a film and the window is transparent.
 20. The method of claim 15 wherein the package has a front face and the overwrap at least partially covers the front face, the overwrap having a printed and unprinted central area, wherein at least a portion of the unprinted central area defines the window. 